Monthly Archives: October 2017

The Week Ahead….Developers Present Plans for Boys and Girls Club on Thursday

by Larry Janezich

Monday, October 30

1. ANC6B Executive Committee meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center, to set the agenda for the full Executive Committee meeting on November 14.

Wednesday, November 1

1. ANC 6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee meets at 7:00pm, at Northeast Library, 7th & D Streets, NE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

1121 Abbey Place, NE: Zoning Application for special exceptions to add a third floor and construct a four story rear addition.

19 Fourth St. NE/rear:  Zoning Application for a special exception to perit a one family dwelling unit in an existing structure on an alley lot.

Discussion of proposed D.C. Comprehensive Plan amendments.

Discussion of Bill 22-0382, Union Market Tax Increment Financing Act of 2017.

Discussion of Nov. 14 Council Hearing on DCRA Management of the Vacant and Blighted Property Program.

Thursday, November 2

1. ANC 6B Hill East Task Force meets to discuss proposals received the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development (DMPED) for the reuse of the former Boys and Girls Club, 7:00pm, St. Coletta of Greater Washington, 1901 Independence Avenue, SE.  Task Force Char and ANC6B Commissioner Ridge has invited representatives of the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development (DMPED) and developers selected by DMPED to share proposals and answer questions from Commissioners and residents.

2.        PSA 107 meets at 7:00pm, SE Library, 402 7th Street, SE.

3.         Friends of Southeast Library (FOSEL) meet at 5:30pm SE Library, lower level.

 

Councilmember Charles Allen Wades into Eastern Market Rent War

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday, CM Charles Allen told the Director of DGS, Ms. Greer Gillis that Eastern Market is a public good and that outweighed the city’s goal of making the Market self-sustaining. The statement was directly related to the city’s controversial appraisal of merchant stall space inside Eastern Market.  The appraisal recommended substantial increases in the rent for South Hall food merchants in apparent violation of a cap on rents provided in statute.*

Allen later told Capitol Hill Corner that “Eastern Market is absolutely a public good.  It is a public good to have a healthy and thriving market.  I’m not looking for fees that would make the Market entirely self-sustaining.  The question is can DGS increase the rent beyond what the law allows.  Director Gillis says yes – my recommendation is that DGS provide a written legal opinion” justifying that assertion.

Last night, Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) chair Donna Scheeder – an Allen appointee to EMCAC – who along with Vice Chair Chuck Burger had attended Allen’s meeting, brought the appraisal issue up for discussion.

As previously reported (http://bit.ly/2fTLhsv), EMCAC has rejected the DGS appraisal and the substantially increased rents for the South Hall as flawed in conception and conclusion.  But EMCAC is an advisory body, and DGS is not bound by their decisions.

As part of their right to respond to the city’s appraisal, the South Hall merchants are contracting for their own appraisal and a new scope of work based on what they think is important.  Any substantial differences between the two appraisals will be referred to a third appraiser for a final recommendation.  The city wants the second appraisal in hand by January 22, a deadline that the South Hall merchants and EMCAC says is too short, given the demands of the upcoming holiday season.

Scheeder moved that EMCAC send a letter to Mayor Bowser, CM Allen, and DGS urging that the timeline be suspended and any requirement for a second appraisal by the South Hall merchants be stayed until DGS renders a legal opinion on how the city can set a new rent level in contradiction to existing statute.  EMCAC asked for the opinion by the next regular EMCAC meeting on November 29.  The motion was agreed to unanimously.

Scheeder said that in addition to the appraisal, the participants in Allen’s meeting discussed the use of the 300 block of 7th Street (currently used by the weekend flea markets) and an overview of Eastern Market and it’s Special Use Area.**

Weekend Flea Market Managers agree to 7 month vending license extension at higher rent

Market Manager Barry Margeson reported to EMCAC last night that both weekend flea market managers had signed a seven month vending license extension at a 52% increase in monthly rent for the 300 block of 7^th Street, as recommended by the city’s appraisal of the block.

Sheeder said that EMCAC’s position is that 300 block needs sustained activity. She complained that the Committee did not have input on the statement of work for the appraisal of flea market vendor spaces on the 300 block, nor was it given time for review, both of which are required by the statute governing Eastern Market.***

Scheeder moved that EMCAC go on record as stating the Special Use Area** should be appraised as a whole and not piecemeal, that EMCAC’s advisory role had been ignored, and that EMCAC rejects “everything in the process” concerning the appraisal of the vending spaces on the 300 block of 7^th Street and the appraisal of the South Hall.  The motion was agreed to unanimously.

Vice Chair Chuck Burger then moved that the Committee go on record as stating that the rent for the flea market vending spaces should not be increased because EMCAC had rejected the appraisal.  That motion carried 8 – 1.  (The vote will have no effect on the flea market managers’ rents since both have signed license extensions with the city at the higher rent.)

CHC followed up with Allen and asked him about the need for an overall business plan for the Market.  Allen said that he believes we need a strategic plan involving all the stakeholders. While there is currently no money in the budget for such a study, he said, “I’m prepared to go to bat to make sure we get the resources we need.”

*Annual rent increases for any operators shall be limited to 102% of the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”), or to an additional amount to reflect the cost of additional services provided, except that in no instance shall the annual increase exceed 110% of the CPI.

**The Special Use Area is generally speaking the portions of 7th Street and C Street being used by the flea markets as well as the sidewalks around the Market and the plazas on the north end of the Market and in front of the Rumsey Aquatic Center.

***Here’s a link to the statute governing Eastern Market:  http://bit.ly/2y7cmAu

Here’s a Hill East Branch of DC Public Library You Don’t Know About

by Larry Janezich

DC Public Library has partnered with the DC Department of Corrections and established a branch library in the DC Jail.  Capitol Hill Corner visited the jail and talked to the library staff on Monday afternoon.

The library is housed in the Correctional Treatment Facility, one of the two main wings of the jail – the other wing being the Central Detention Facility.

The Correctional Treatment Facility has been in operation since 1992 as a specialized medium security institution.  Prior to February 1, 2017, DC Jail was run by CoreCivic (formerly known as Corrections Corporation of America), the largest for-profit correctional facility operator in the country, and a company plagued with a history of bad – even abusive – management practices.  On March 31, 2017, CoreCivic’s contract expired and Mayor Bowser announced the DC Department of Corrections, headed by Director Quincy Booth, would take over the jail.  The ReThink Justice-DC coalition was one group who opposed the city contracting with private corrections corporations.

One of the benefits for inmates that came with government control was a brand new library which opened in the Correctional Treatment Facility last March.  The jail had an existing law library comprised of mostly legal reference books and a few leisure reading books which were transferred to the DC Jail’s  Central Detention Facility from Lorton Prison when it closed in 2001.

At the end of March the Library was moved to its present location in the Correctional Treatment Facility.  In the new library, access to legal research was provided through 8 computer work stations featuring LexisNexis instead of legal code reference books.  In addition, staff stepped up the total amount of material available and diversified it. The Library now boasts about 10,000 books including fiction, nonfiction, large print, Spanish, etc.  Audiobooks are on the way which will benefit illiterate and visually challenged patrons.

The library is staffed by contractors through the DC Public Library.  Librarian Danielle Zoller said that in addition to a full time librarian, there is one full-time associate librarian and one part time reference worker.  Asked to explain the operation of the library, Zoller said that each of the DC Jail housing units gets access to the library once a week  – women in the morning for two hours and men in the afternoon for two hours.  She says that the library can serve up to 40 patrons at a time, though the actual numbers vary from day to day.  Patrons can browse the stacks and check out materials two at a time.  They do not have access to the internet.  Zoller says “what’s popular on the street is popular here,” and that what the library doesn’t have, we can ask DC Public Library to purchase, noting that “we order books continuously.”

For patrons who can’t come to the library – juveniles, those in a witness protection program, and those in restricted housing units – the library goes to them via library cart.

The DC Jail branch is a standalone library that does not share with other libraries.  Staff interacts with the other 27 branch libraries via listservs.

Library patron and work detail guide Joel Casto’n stressed the usefulness of having legal resources searchable by jurisdiction for patrons researching cases relevant to their own.  He also cited how critical access to Microsoft Word and appropriate legal templates are for patrons, not only to help prepare court documents, but also to assist in re-entry planning.  The Department of Corrections emphasizes the importance of inmates leaving DC Jail with a re-entry plan.

The Week Ahead….

by Larry Janezich

Monday, October 23

ANC 6A Community Outreach Committee meets at 7:00pm in Maury Elementary School, Multi-Purpose Room, 1250 Constitution Avenue, NE.

Agenda:

Letter of Support from ANC request for Miner Playground Renovation.

Wednesday, October 25

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) meets at 7:00pm in North Hall, Eastern Market.

Among items on the agenda:

Responses received from DGS re the 300 block and the appraisal process.

300 block appraisal report.

Parking task force.

Leases for South Hall merchants.

Thursday, October 26

ANC6C Grants Committee meets at 7:30pm, 7:30 at Kaiser-Permanente, 700 2nd Street, NE.

Among items on the agenda:

Set Grant and Meeting Calendar for 2018.

Grant Committee on Social Media .

Discussion of Spring Presentation:  Dates, participation of ANC6A and speakers.

Grants Cycle 4 – Nov. 2nd deadline.

City Extends Weekend Eastern Market Flea Market Use of 7^th Street for 7 Months. But….

by Larry Janezich

On October 12, the Department of General Services offered to extend the license agreements with the two weekend flea market managers, to allow them to continue to operate on the 300 block of 7^th Street, SE, from November until the end of May, 2018.  During the period, DGS will develop an official Request for Proposals (RFP) process for any and all potential managers of the Saturday and Sunday flea markets on the 300 block of 7th Street, SE.  Attached to the offer was a substantial increase in rent for the space.

Currently, the total rent the two managers pay the city for use of the street is $4000 a month. The new rate based on the findings of an MAI Certified Appraiser will be $6100 a month.  Currently the two operators pay a total of $48,000 per year.  Under the higher rent, the operators would pay $73,200, a difference of $25,200, roughly an additional $1000 a month increase for each flea market manager.

Barry Margeson, Eastern Market Manager for DGS, says that the Market pays DDOT $56,000 a year for the loss in weekend parking revenues for the 300 block of 7th Street.

The current licenses for operating on the 300 block expire at the end of October, upon which the flea markets are scheduled to re-locate to the newly reopened C Street between 7^th and 8^th Streets.  The re-opening is now projected to be the first weekend in November.

The community strongly supports continued closure of 7^th Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and North Carolina Avenue, but there is uncertainty how the 300 block will be used, with much depending on the voices of the future retail merchants who will occupy the first floor of the Hine project.

Saturday flea market manager Carole Wright is cautiously optimistic and intends to use both C Street and the 300 block of 7th Street during the 7 month extension.  She says, “We intend to have a wraparound market ….however, we are still not able to lock in the date of completion for C Street”.  Regarding the use of the 300 block after the seven months, Wright says, “We do not know if those new stores will even want vending in that block.”

Sunday flea market manager Michael Berman says he strongly objects to the increased rent and that the extension should be at the current rent, given the lack of notice and due process.  He says, “We are not able to pass cost increases on to vendors in form of rent increase to them.”  Berman called the appraisal flawed as the result of faulty input involving a disparity in size, rent and amenities of the spaces which were used as comparables.

Berman says, that the Sunday flea market will continue on the 300 block of 7^th through Sunday, October 29 – “The continuation after that is uncertain.”  Berman would like the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC)  to give the flea markets the same deal they gave the South Hall Merchants in delaying any increase in rent until a strategic plan for all outdoor vending areas under Market control is developed.

EMCAC chair Donna Scheeder held out little hope that would happen.  She told CHC “I don’t have a problem with increased rent for public space when the goal is to make Eastern Market self-sustaining and I think most members of EMCAC would agree.  I think the 300 block on 7th Street has been underpriced and I’d like to see some of the increased revenue go into an increased safety and security plan.”

That position seemed to be at odds with EMCAC’s response to DGS’s request for comment on the 300 block of 7^th Street.  On September 19, EMCAC voted 4 – 3 for language supporting “DGS proceeding to have the value of this public spaces (sic) assessed and no rents, permits or contracts for occupying that space should be done until the assessment is completed. The appraisal of space used for market activities should be looked at as a whole and not in 3 individual pieces.”

The proposed rent increase did not sit well with ANC6B Commissioner Diane Hoskins, unhappy at the lack of community consultation regarding the rent increase.  Hoskins said, “This is really disappointing. This completely contradicts the will of the community to maintain the weekend flea market. The September 12 letter from ANC6B to DGS asked that DGS take no actions that would change the current use and operations. A dramatic increase in rent certainly would be a major change”.

EMCAC will consider the 300 block appraisal report at its next meeting at 7:00pm on Wednesday, October 25, in the North Hall of Eastern Market.

CM Charles Allen Sees Little Chance for for Amazon HQ on Reservation 13

by Larry Janezich

Responding to a question at the end of his Pennsylvania Avenue Summit at Hill Center last night, CM Charles Allen all but said “Don’t bet on Amazon putting its new proposed $5 billion headquarters on Reservation 13”.  That counsel has been reinforced by news media reports which point to obstacles in the way of the proposal.

Allen said that there was no doubt such a massive project would have a substantial impact on the community and that the District is one of “6,000 cities saying ‘Pick us’”.  Allen added, with respect to the city’s bid, “There’s no meat on the bones,” referring to the city declining to disclose what financial incentives it might offer to Amazon somewhere down the line.

Amazon’s need for 8 million square feet of space gave him pause, Allen said, and made him wonder if the need is consistent with what the community feels would work for Hill East.  He noted that some Hill Easters are saying, “Let’s not shut the door…” but in terms of a reality check, estimated that the likelihood of Reservation 13 being chosen is “down in the decimal points”.

On the face of it, the proposal seems preposterous.  The disruption and divisions to the community, the dwarfing of every other economic and local governmental agency, and the demands on infrastructure and services such a development would require should cause residents to question the sanity of city officials who proposed this as well as those who support it.  DC would end up just handing over the keys to the city to Jeff Bezos.

As reported elsewhere, some of the obstacles in the way of Reservation 13 being selected include:

The entire zoning of Reservation 13 would have to be changed – a long contentious process.

Reservation 13 is the site of the DC Homeless Shelter and the DC Jail which would have to be relocated.

The adjacent RFK is on National Park Service land.  Events DC holds a lease which expires in 2033.

There are three other DC sites being offered:  Buzzard’s Point and a parcel on Poplar Point across the Anacostia River, NOMA over the railroad tracks, and a site in Shaw/Howard University.  None appear likely in light of incentive packages being offered by jurisdictions in other locations.

ANC6B Commissioners Danial Ridge and Denise Krepp took to Twitter and the New Hill East Listserv to blast the city’s lack of transparency and betrayal of trust with the Hill East community as represented by ANC6B.

Krepp said, referring to DMPED’s appearance before the ANC’s Hill East Task Force last Wednesday, “I’m appalled and incredibly frustrated that DC agencies lied to neighbors last week.  They had a plan for the property; they just didn’t want to share it with us.”

Ridge said, “I am appalled at this lack of transparency. I am further appalled that DMPED spoke to us about this plan at 9:30 this (Monday) morning and asked us to keep it from you until they released it at 10:00.

Amazon as a firm has a vision of the future at odds with DC’s best future. I think they would do bad things to housing affordability and homelessness. I think we would have difficulty fighting Amazon on taxes or jobs or development in the future if they had such an oversize influence on the city.”

In a letter to the Mayor, Ridge said, “I am always willing to consider proper non-disclosure arrangements but I hope that I will never again be contacted under embargo a half-an-hour before an announcement of such significance. It makes me a party to an opaque system in an unwelcome way.”

Bids for the project are due on October 19.  Amazon will make a decision in early 2018.

On Friday, Council Member Charles Allen holds community office hours from 8:00am until 9:30am, at The Pretzel Bakery in Hill East, at 257 15th Street, SE.

 

The Week Ahead…CM Charles Allen Community Meeting on PA Ave SE Development Overview – Tuesday

by Larry Janezich

Monday, October 16

ANC6D  meets at 7:00pm at 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentation:  Office of City Planning – Andrea Limauro

 Capital Yacht Club:  Amendment to CA liquor license

Shilling’s, 1331 4th Street, SE: Amendment to liquor license re hours of operation

Officina Italian Restaurant at The Wharf:  Protest application for liquor license

The Wharf, Phase II – Zoning Application http://bit.ly/2yrUFdB

Forest City PUD Text Amendment – Zoning Application –

RASA 1277 1st Street, SE – Public Space Application for Sidewalk Café

Taylor Gourmet, 1247 1st Street, SE, Public Space Application for Sidewalk Café

CANCELLED:   ANC6A Transportation & Public Space Committee Meets at 7:00pm at Capitol Hill Towers, 900 G Street, NE.

Tuesday, October 17

ANC6A Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee meets at 7:00pm at Sherwood Recreation Center, 10^th and G Streets, NE. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

Discussion of request by On the Rocks (formerly Da Luft) (1242 H Street, NE) for changes to its Settlement Agreement.

1101 Convenience Mart, 1101 H Street, NE, Class B Retailer License Renewal

China House, 1601 Benning Road, NE, Class B Retailer License Renewal

DC Supermarket, 539 8th Street, NE, Class B Retailer License Renewals

J & K Market, 234 15th Street, NE, Class B Retailer License Renewals

The Cupboard, 1504 East Capitol Street, NE.

Economy Market, 1804 D Street, NE.

Councilmember Charles Allen hosts The Pennsylvania Avenue Vision Summit at 7:00p at The Hill Center.

Pennsylvania Avenue, SE from Barney Circle to Seward Square has more than a dozen major projects underway or coming on line.  Allen is bringing together all sides – the city, the developers, community organizations and neighbors – to share their vision for the project.

RSVP here for the event for any updates or changes. http://bit.ly/2gH8mf4

CHRS Board of Directors, meets at 6:30pm, Capitol Hill Townhomes, 750 6^th Street, SE.

Wednesday, October 18

ANC6A Economic Development & Zoning Committee will meet at 7:00pm, Sherwood Recreation Center, 10^th and G Streets, NE. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

1015 D Street, NE.  HPRB recommendation on the plans for redevelopment of the chapel located at 1015 D Street, NE.

CHRS Historic Preservation Café – “This Old (but great) House – wiring & safety”.  6:30pm, Northeast Neighborhood Library, 330 7^th Street, NE.

Friday, October 20

Council Member Charles Allen hold’s community office hours from 8:00am until 9:30am, at The Pretzel Bakery in Hill East, at 257 15^th Street, SE. 

Sunday, October 22

CHRS House Expo, Eastern Market North Hall, 10::am.  Some 30 home service exhibitors help with ideas on ways to repair or enhance your home.  Architects, general contractors, house historians, energy conservation experts, home inspectors, painters, solar panel installers, insurance agents, HVAC specialists, etc.  Open to the public and free.

 

City Says “Unequivocally” that Reservation 13 Project Will Break Ground in 1^st Quarter 2018

by Larry Janezich

Sarosh Olpadwala, Director of Real Estate, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development (DMPED) told some 40 Hill East residents last night, “I can state unequivocally that we will close (on the (Donatelli-Blue Sky Reservation 13 Project) by the end of the year and that we will break ground in the first quarter of 2018.”

The announcement came at a meeting of the ANC 6B Hill East Task Force, chaired by Commissioner Dan Ridge.  The meeting was held in response to a request from Commissioner Denise Krepp, who has been prodding the city to commit to breaking ground before a year-end deadline.  Krepp said during opening remarks, “We’re going to walk out of here tonight with the knowledge of when the dirt goes”.

In September of 2013, DMPED awarded the proposal to develop two city-owned Reservation 13 parcels to the Donatelli-Blue Sky Construction team.  The proposal is for a mixed use project, built as a matter of right (no Planned Unit Development (PUD) process required), and envisions 353 residential rental units, 30% of which will be affordable, and 20,000 plus square feet of retail.  The latter would allow for up to ten ground level retail spaces in two buildings, with the possibility of expansion into some 8,000 square feet below grade for a retailer with additional space needs. The rental units – both market and affordable – will range from studio to three bedroom units.  The deadline for the city’s commitment to the project, having been extended once, expires at the end of 2017 without another extension.

Olpadwala said that delays in the permitting process had been the result of necessary input from multiple city agencies regarding the creation of new infrastructure – streets and utilities – for the project.  That was backed up by developer Chris Donatelli. He noted that other projects have been infill projects – “this is more complicated because there is no infrastructure. But it’s real – it’s happening. We have spent too much money for it not to happen.”

In response to a question from Krepp about when the next piece of Reservation 13 would be developed, Olpadwala said “We don’t have a certain date. It will depend on what happens on the campus and with infrastructure. Developing Reservation 13 is a major portfolio for us.  Once we get the first phase moving we want to move on the next parcel.”

Asked for reaction to last night’s meeting, Ridge said that one of his main concerns continues to be the possibility that financing for the project seems less than certain.  He had expressed similar concerns at a February 2017 meeting on the development.  See here:  http://bit.ly/2lbZIWQ “Nothing has changed,” he said, adding that “uncertainty regarding construction of a new jail on Reservation 13 could be a reason for the financing remaining soft.”

Ridge offered a resolution seeking to clarify what the prerequisites for going to closing are, and urging the full ANC to send letters to DMPED, DDOT, and DCRA urging them to complete the permitting process with all due speed.  The motion passed 5 – 0, and the full ANC6B will consider it at their November meeting.

For artist renderings, see here:  http://bit.ly/2ydCk4g

The Week Ahead….Community Meeting on Reservation 13 and DC Jail – Wednesday

by Larry Janezich

Monday, October 9

Columbus Day will be observed by DPW.  Trash and recycling pick up will be bumped to Tuesday.  Most parking enforcement will be suspended for the day.

Tuesday, October 10

ANC6B meets for the October meeting at 7:00pm in Hill Center.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentation:  Interim Director Brian Baker, DC Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA)

Hanks on the Hill, 633 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Consider Protest Withdraw regarding persistent flooding issues.

326 A Street, SE, Historic Preservation Application for Concept/new three-story side & rear additions.

818 Potomac Ave., SE, Zoning Adjustment Application for special exceptions for a new 46-unit apartment house to exempt developer from providing retail    on the first floor and from penthouse set back requirement.

602 E Street, SE, Zoning Adjustment to permit construction of new building at rear of lot.

517 7th Street, SE, Zoning Adjustment to construct a new three-story rear addition to an existing one-family dwelling.

Alley Naming: Square 1043, between 13th, 14th, E and G St, SE; Proposed name is “Watkins Alley”.

Discussion of lease for ANC6B office space in the Hine Development.

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee Report

Wednesday, October 11

ANC6B Hill East Taskforce will hold a community meeting at 7:00pm at St. Coletta of Greater Washington (1900 Independence Ave SE) to discuss Reservation 13 and the DC Jail.

Representatives from DDOT, DMPED and other DC agencies along with the developer of the F1 and G1 parcels have been invited to attend.  The purpose of  the meeting is to find out the status of the F1 and G1 parcels.  Last year, the DC Council passed emergency legislation to allow DC agencies an additional        year to review development permits.  The agencies are still reviewing these documents and neighbors want an explanation for the delay and a better                 understanding of when construction will begin.

ANC 6B and residents of Hill East are concerned that ground may not be broken at Res. 13 before the current law expires. We are further concerned that         permit delays and ongoing public-private-partnership discussions regarding the redevelopment of the current DC Jail site may create additional                       uncertainty about Res 13 and become the reason that development fails again at Res 13.

In addition, DC agencies have received proposals to build a new jail at the site of the current jail.  Residents want to know the status of these proposals.

ANC6C meets at 7:00pm, Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE.

Among items on the agenda:

Brief Community Announcements

1. Mayor Muriel Bowser
2. Council Member Robert White

CCNV gate, 2nd and D Streets NW

1100 block of 3rd Street NE, visitor parking permit enforcement issues

Bicycle infrastructure, M, 4th, and 6th Streets NE

643 F Street NE, special exceptions for lot occupancy and penthousesetback requirements to construct rear addition and roof deck at residence.

226 Massachusetts NE, variances for rear yard, height, and off-street parking to construct a three-story office building.

512 H Street NE, special exception to permit financial services use.

522 ½ K Street NE, modification of significance to 1983 BZA order.

10 3rd Street NE, conversion of residential building to apartment building.

Hill Center Galleries Opening Reception 7:30pm – 9:00pm.

Hill Center Galleries presents the opening reception for the latest series of single artist exhibitions. http://bit.ly/2wGP1Ay

Joanathan Bessaci: Maps

Rachel Bohlander: Art of Empowerment

Karin Edgett: Truth

Michael Ford: Homeplace

Judith Peck: Gathering Shards

Scott Warren: World Views

All artwork is available for sale, and a portion of proceeds benefits free programming at Hill Center.

Thursday, October 12

ANC6A meets at 7:00pm, at Miner Elementary School, 601 15^th Street, NE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Community Presentations:

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jesse Liu

Community MPD First District Sector Two Captain John Knutsen

Anacostia Watershed Society’s Storm Drain Murals Project – Emily Conrad

Consideration of a request for a grant for Miner Elementary School PTO grant for $899.47 for the purchase of two (2) universally accessible picnic tables to   be affixed to the school playground.

Nomad Hookah Bar.  Consideration of a protest of request for extended sidewalk cafe hours by Nomad Hookah Bar (1200 H Street NE) due to impact to         peace, order, and quiet unless Nomad has sufficiently enclosed its sidewalk cafe pursuant to the terms of its April 2017 Settlement Agreement.

619 Eleventh Street, NE:  Consideration of a motion that ANC6A send a letter of support to BZA for the request for zoning relief at the address with the           caveat that requests from neighbors be formally accepted, that the applicant provide sun/shadow studies, and that the applicant obtain signed letters of          non-objection.

629 – 635 Eleventh Street, NE:  Consideration of a motion that ANC6A send a letter of support to BZA for the request for zoning relief at 629-635 Eleventh    (11th) Street, NE, with the caveat that requests from neighbors be formally accepted, that the applicant provide sun/shadow studies, and that the applicant     obtain signed letters of non-objection

133 Thirteenth Street, NE:  Consideration of a motion that ANC6A send a letter of support to HPRB for a proposed project at the address.

Capitol Hill Restoration Society Zoning Committee meets at 7:30pm, Kirby House, 420 10^th Street, SE.

Saturday, October 14

Hill East 7-Eleven community trash cleanup day.  9:00am at the 7-Eleven store at 1500 Independence Avenue, SE.

Second Saturday Book Sale at Southeast Library, 10:00am – 3:00pm.  Sponsored by Friends of Southeast Library.

CHRS Walking Tour of Warren Street, NE.  10:00am.  Meet at corner of 14th and C Streets, NE.  Details: Beth Purcell  (202) 544-0178.

Second Annual Payne Fall Festival, 10am – 2:00pm.  Payne ES Playground at the corner of 15th and C Street, SE.

“All are welcome!  We’ll have a bake sale, cauldrons of chili, local business tables, bouncy houses, face painting, pumpkin decorating, and much more.              There will be event booths from organizations such as PAVE, DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative, East City Bookshop, ASHRAE, Elliot-              Hine,  CSA Farmshares, DC SE Library, and more.”  https://paynedc.org/fallfestival/

Eastern Market Advisory Committee Rejects Proposed Rent Increase for Eastern Market Merchants

by Larry Janezich

Last night, the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) stood up on its hind legs and voted unanimously (8 – 0) to reject the city’s proposal for raising rents on Eastern Market South Hall merchants and the appraisal process by which the proposed rents had been determined.  They called for the city to put a hold on any rent increase and said they want a monthly report on income and expenditures for the Market.  They also urged the city to use a holistic approach going forward to assess all components of Eastern Market to create a strategic marketing plan for the Eastern Market Special Use District (SUD).  (The latter refers to the sidewalks and public space around Eastern Market and the Rumsey Aquatic Center, 7^th Street from North Carolina to Pennsylvania Avenues, and the newly reopened C Street between 7^th and 8^th Streets.)

Last month, the Department of General Services released an appraisal designed to determine the fair market value of stall spaces inside Eastern Market.  The recommendations would establish a new baseline substantially increasing rents for all South Hall merchants, in some cases doubling them.  See Capitol Hill Corner’s post here:  http://bit.ly/2xtEs7l

South Hall merchants spoke strongly in opposition to the proposed rent increases.  Union Meat’s Bill Glasgow said that the merchants were “shell shocked” by the proposed increase.  Michael Bowers of Bowers’ Fancy Dairy Products said that an increase in rent would come out of his paycheck since he can’t raise prices if he wants to remain competitive.  In a written statement, Tom Calomiris of Calomiris’ Fruits and Vegetables said, “I get the feeling there is a grand plan to put us out of business. The elements are there – no accessibility, increased rents, and increased competition. The appraisal makes no sense.  An increase in the baseline will put the majority of us out of business.”

EMCAC Chair Donna Scheeder said that the basic problem with the city-sponsored appraisal is that it ignores legislative requirements which put limits on rent increases for South Hall merchants.  She also agreed with the written comments of EMCAC member Richard Layman and the comments of Committee member Chuck Burger that any assessment needs to consider the totality of the Market.  She said EMCAC wants greater transparency on the budget, especially expenditures, continuing, “The main reason I disagree with the appraisal is I do not understand why the city has to establish a new baseline for rents higher that the average Capitol Hill (retail) rent.”  Other Committee members spoke against the rent increases.

Jonathan Page, the Mayor’s Representative, agreed with others that an appraisal doesn’t make sense if not part of a comprehensive review.  He cited the legislative requirement limiting rent increases to a percentage of the CPI and EMCAC’s response that the methodology used to determine fair rent totally ignores the requirement.

Susan Ousler representing the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, called the rent increase “outrageous”.  She said, “You have to show me why the city needs the money.”

EMCAC will meet again on Wednesday, October 25 to discuss a second, just completed appraisal, this one involving the stall spaces on the 300 block of 7^th Street, SE, currently where the Saturday and Sunday flea markets set up.  Those markets are scheduled to move to C Street between 7^th and 8^th at the end of the month, though both flea markets have asked for an extension to their contracts which would let them use 7^th Street as well.

EMCAC is the District’s legislatively established body which provides advisory and oversight responsibilities for Eastern Market and though they’re role is advisory, it is likely the vote will require the city back off on and reassess its approach to increasing revenues from Eastern Market.

Current members of EMCAC include representatives from ANC6B, Capitol Hill Restoration Society, Capitol Hill Association of Merchants, Eastern Market Preservation and Development Corporation, Stanton Park Neighborhood Association, a community representative, Ward 6 Council Office, the Mayor and representatives from the South Hall, Farmer’s Line and non-food merchants at the Market.